In Fiji, political party raises concerns over draft referendum bill

The Fiji Labour Party has told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights that provisions in the draft National Referendum Bill 2025 were unconstitutional and could undermine democratic participation. In a submission, Fiji Labour Party representative Dr Sunil Kumar said the bill restricted fundamental freedoms required for a legitimate constitutional referendum. “Bill 46 is unconstitutional and undemocratic,” Dr Kumar said. “A constitutional referendum must enable open debate and informed consent.” He said clauses in the bill violated freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and association, as well as political rights and the right to information protected under the Constitution.
Read the full article here: The Fiji Times